Page 76 of Inside Silence

Next to the grill a table is set up with all the food people brought over. This is quite a gathering, but even for this number of people it’s a ton of food.

“Thanks, I was going to wait for Savvy so I could eat with her, but I don’t even know if she’s going to make it. Besides, I’m hungry; I’ll just have a bite to take the edge off.”

I feel Hugo looking at me while I make myself a plate.

“What?”

“You and Savvy?”

“Yep,” I confirm.

I might as well get ahead of it. Tongues are probably already doing plenty of wagging after our public make-out session this morning.

“I figured as much after I intercepted a complaint call about lewd and lascivious behavior at the Safeway.”

I bark out a laugh. “Someone called that in? Jesus Murphy, people have nothing better to do with their time?”

“Some people feel compelled to safeguard the high moral standards of law enforcement in this fair town,” he shares with a sharp edge of sarcasm.

“That’s funny, given I was just this afternoon getting staples removed from the hole one of Silence’s finest left in my head when he attacked me.”

“Yeah.” He sounds a bit defeated when he follows it up with a mumbled, “And that may not even be the worst of it.”

“What do you mean?”

He shakes his head, glancing around. “Look…forget I said anything. All I know is I’m glad I’m not in Savvy’s shoes; she’s dealing with a lot, which is probably why she’s late. But I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”

I take my plate and find a spot at one of the tables scattered around the large yard, next to Bess, who is in a serious discussion with an older lady who looks vaguely familiar about the merits of pumpkin spice. Not necessarily a topic I have any strong opinions about, but I doubt my input would be welcomed anyway. Plus, this gives me a chance to eat my burger in peace, while quietly observing the people around me.

The peace doesn’t last when Bess turns to me.

“Nate, you remember Mrs. Dixon, don’t you?”

The penny drops. Now I know why she looks familiar. Mrs. Dixon used to be the town librarian. I spent a good portion of my childhood in the library until it was no longer considered cool, when I was around Tate’s age.

The library had been my sanctuary. The books allowed me to escape to lives lived by other people, to places I didn’t think I would ever have an opportunity to see. I still read, not as much as I’d like to, but I’ll always have one or another book on the go.

“Of course I do.” I smile politely, unsure of the reception I’ll get. “Good to see you again, Mrs. D, it’s been a minute.”

The old woman leans forward as she narrows her eyes on me. “Well now, as I live and breathe—and I’m still breathing, mind you—if it isn’t Nathan Gaines. My goodness, you’re about the last person I thought I’d see back in Silence. Let alone having dinner at Brant Colter’s house. You’ve got some cojones.”

I barely register the fact the old librarian is using Spanish profanities. I’m too annoyed by the message she’s sending. But then she suddenly turns on a bright smile and reaches out a hand to pat me on the cheek.

“You were always a clever boy, weren’t you? Are you still reading, Nathan?”

I grin and shake my head. “Whenever I have a chance.”

She scoffs and wags a finger in my face. “Make time every day. It keeps the mind flexible and the heart true. It’s the best gift you can give yourself.”

“I remember you telling me that.”

“Yeah, well…maybe this time you’ll listen.” She straightens up and puts on a serious expression. “And please, God, tell me you don’t partake in this ridiculous trend to put pumpkin spice into anything other than pumpkin pie, where it belongs!”

I’m saved from a response when Savvy walks into the yard to enthusiastic greetings. I get to my feet to greet her myself when the sight of Auden Maynard walking out right behind her stops me.

From behind me I hear Mrs. D’s muffled comment.

“Oh boy.”